Sunday, January 19, 2014

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Martini

Welcome to Cocktail Day, a multi-blogger event co-hosted by Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic, Liz of That Skinny Chick Can Bake, and Donna of Cookistry. We are raising our glasses to toast you all with some unique and delicious cocktails and mocktails in anticipation of the Big Game and Valentine’s Day. Be sure to bookmark or pin these creative beverages for your next gathering. We hope you enjoy this marvelous event and the incredible giveaways from our generous sponsors. Cheers!

When I decided to join in on today's festivities, it didn't take me long to know what I wanted to make. My peanut butter obsessed mind had to try using it in a cocktail and adding the chocolate was a given. The key to making it creamy and smooth and natural tasting is to make a peanut butter syrup. That, in itself, is delicious and Brian made quick work of the little bit left in the pot. As for the cocktail itself - lip smacking, swoon-worthy lusciousness. You will absolutely want another. And another...Per Serving:1 1/2 oz. Vanilla vodka1 1/2 oz. Peanut butter syrup (recipe below)1 1/2 oz. Cream or half & half1 oz. Chocolate liqueur1/2 oz. Creme de cacaoChocolate syrup for garnishPeanut Butter Syrup:1/4 Cup sugar1/4 Cup water1/4 Cup smooth peanut butterPinch of sea salt

Make the peanut butter syrup by combining the sugar and water in a pot over low heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and then whisk in the peanut butter. Finish with a touch of sea salt and set aside to cool slightly.Prepare the glass by pouring a little chocolate syrup in a bowl and running the rum of the glass through it. Allow to cool and harden slightly. Place some of the peanut butter syrup in a shallow bowl as well and run the chocolate rimmed glass through the peanut butter. Allow to cool slightly.Combine the vanilla vodka, peanut butter syrup, cream, chocolate liqueur and creme de cacao in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well. Pour into the prepared cocktail glass.While you're enjoying your drink, take a look below at all the other fantastic drink creations and be sure to check out our wonderful sponsors for this event and enter the giveaway at the bottom. Good luck!

Our sponsors for Cocktail Day are Molecule-R, Page St. Publishing, Race Point Publishing, Fair Winds Press, Microplane, and Not So Simple Syrup.

Molecule-R can be found on Facebook, and YouTube. Molecular gastronomy can be defined as the fusion of food science and culinary arts. Molecular gastronomy by Molecule-R is a cookbook with stunning recipes explained and illustrated with the intelligence and aesthetic beauty that defines the MOLECULE-R brand. Mojito R-Evolution teaches you how to deconstruct your mojito into floating mint caviar and spectacular foams or encapsulate your favorite cocktail into a sphere that will explode in your mouth. Margarita R-Evolution teaches you how to create a margarita slush topped with a fresh lemon mousse, add a splash of colour by creating blue azure suspended pearls or encapsulate your margarita into an edible cocktail! Cosmo R-Evolution teaches you how to add a molecular twist to your traditional cosmo sure to awe your guests! Serve a cosmopolitan bubble on a spoon that will pop in your mouth, top off your cocktail with a light fluffy cranberry foam or suspend citrus caviar in your drink.

Microplane can be found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Microplane is a division of family-owned Grace Manufacturing Inc., a long-standing company specializing in the crafting of precision thin metal parts for home and industrial use. The versatile Ultimate Citrus Tool features Microplane’s surgical grade stainless steel Fine blade. In addition, the Ultimate Citrus Tool features two decorative garnishing blades in a large (.300-inch diameter) and small (.180-inch diameter) size. The blades are made in the USA and are dishwasher safe. Microplane’s sleekly designed and multi-functional Bartender’s Garnishing Tool easily opens bottles, effortlessly zests oranges, lemons, limes, and other types of citrus fruits, and is dishwasher safe.

Not So Simple Syrup can be found on Facebook, and Twitter. Not So Simple Syrup is a a small, local maker of simple syrups. Heidi and Barbie's passion is to create all natural syrups that inspire and stimulate your pension for amazing mixed drinks as well as iced teas and non-alcoholic beverages too. They pride themselves on individual service. When you purchase a NSSS product, you can be sure that it received their personal stamp of approval. The Not So Simple Syrup Survival Gift Basket has two flavours of delicious all natural Not So Simple Syrup, a muddler for the perfect Mojito you might want to create, two glasses and a bar towel.

***Disclaimer: This giveaway is being provided by our sponsors, no bloggers have received product or been compensated as a part of this giveaway.***

I just got visions of me swimming in a bathtub full of peanut butter syrup. I am a peanut butter ADDICT. I work at a cupcake bakery and I've told all of my coworkers to keep me away from the Reese's because one bite and I'll be a goner! These sound amazing!